US Announces New Fees for Certain Immigration Benefit Requests

Key Takeaways

• One Big Beautiful Bill Act effective July 4, 2025, increases immigration fees across nearly all U.S. visa categories.
• New mandatory fees include $250 Visa Integrity Fee and annual $100 asylum application fee, often non-waivable.
• USCIS and DHS update systems; fees impact students, workers, asylum seekers, TPS holders, and employers immediately.

Sweeping changes to immigration fees in the United States 🇺🇸 have taken effect as of July 2025, following the signing of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (H.R.1) into law on July 4, 2025. This new law brings the largest overhaul of immigration-related costs in years, impacting nearly every applicant seeking a U.S. visa or immigration benefit. The new rules apply immediately, with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) expected to release more detailed instructions in the coming days.

Applicants and their families now face higher, often non-waivable, immigration fees for a wide range of applications. The changes affect students, workers, asylum seekers, families, and employers. Here’s what you need to know about the new fees, who is affected, and what steps you should take next.

Key New and Increased Immigration Fees

The new law introduces several mandatory fees on top of existing filing costs. These new charges apply to most nonimmigrant and immigrant visa categories, as well as to applications for asylum, Temporary Protected Status (TPS), parole, and more. Some of the most important new fees include:

• Visa Integrity Fee: A minimum of $250 must be paid when any nonimmigrant visa (such as F, J, H, L, O, TN, E, B, and others) is issued.
• Form I-94 Fee: A minimum of $24 is required when applying for a Form I-94, which is the arrival/departure record for travelers entering or leaving the United States 🇺🇸. You can find the official Form I-94 here.
• ESTA Fee (Visa Waiver Program): $40 per applicant for those using the Electronic System for Travel Authorization.
• EVUS Fee: $30 for Chinese B-1/B-2 visa holders who must enroll in the Electronic Visa Update System.
• Temporary Protected Status (TPS):
  • Application: $500
  • Initial Employment Authorization Document (EAD): Minimum $550
  • EAD Renewal/Extension: Minimum $275
• Asylum:
  • Application: Minimum $100 per year while the application is pending
  • Initial EAD: Minimum $550
  • EAD Renewal/Extension: Minimum $275
• Parole:
  • Application: Minimum $1,000
  • Initial EAD: Minimum $550
  • EAD Renewal/Extension: Minimum $275
• Inadmissible Individuals Apprehended Between Ports of Entry: Minimum $5,000
• Immigration Court Filings:
  • Adjustment of Status: Minimum $1,500 (waivable in some cases)
  • Waiver of Ineligibility: Minimum $1,050 (waivable)
  • TPS Application: Minimum $500 (waivable)
  • Suspension of Deportation/Cancellation of Removal: Minimum $600 (waivable)
  • Cancellation of Removal/Adjustment for Certain Non-Permanent Residents: Minimum $1,500 (waivable)
  • Removal in Absentia: Minimum $5,000
• Appeals:
  • Appeal to Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA): Minimum $900 (waivable)
  • Appeal of DHS Officer’s Decision: Minimum $900 (waivable)
  • Practitioner Disciplinary Decision: Minimum $1,325 (waivable)
  • Motion to Reopen/Reconsider: Minimum $900 (waivable)
• Special Immigrant Juvenile Application: Minimum $250 (waivable)

Important: Unless the law specifically allows a waiver, these new immigration fees must be paid in addition to any existing USCIS or Department of State filing fees. Many of these charges are not waivable, and they may increase each year with inflation or further regulation.

Recent and Upcoming Fee Adjustments

The new statutory fees come on top of earlier increases. In April 2024, USCIS rolled out a new fee schedule that raised the costs for many core applications and separated fees for forms like Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status), Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization), and Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document).

For universities and employers, the cost of requesting certain visas (such as J-1, H-1B, TN, and E-3) rose to $580 as of January 1, 2025, with more changes expected after June 30, 2025. The USCIS G-1055 Fee Schedule was last updated on July 11, 2025, and will soon reflect the new statutory fees.

How the New Fees Affect Applicants

The impact of these changes is immediate and wide-reaching:

• Higher Out-of-Pocket Costs: Every applicant for a nonimmigrant visa, asylum, TPS, parole, and many other benefits must now pay more, often with no option for a fee waiver.
• Multiple Fees for One Application: Many processes now require both the new statutory fee and the existing agency filing fee. For example, someone applying for asylum must pay the annual asylum fee, the EAD fee, and any other related costs.
• Annual and Recurring Fees: Some fees, like the asylum application fee, are now charged every year while the application is pending.
• Limited Fee Waivers: Only certain categories—such as some court filings, appeals, and special immigrant juvenile applications—are eligible for waivers, and only if the law specifically allows it.
• Possible Delays: While the law is already in effect, there may be short-term delays as USCIS and other agencies update their systems to collect the new fees.
• Payment Methods: Applicants inside the United States 🇺🇸 can pay by card, check, or money order. Those outside the country must follow instructions from their local embassy or consulate.

Official Status and Implementation Timeline

• Law Effective Date: July 4, 2025
• USCIS Implementation: As of July 11-12, 2025, USCIS has confirmed the new fees are law and will soon provide more operational details.
• Fee Schedule Updates: The G-1055 Fee Schedule and the USCIS website are being updated to show the new statutory fees.
• State Department Fees: The Department of State will also collect the new Visa Integrity Fee and other statutory fees, in addition to existing visa application fees.

Stakeholders and Official Statements

The new immigration fees affect a wide range of people and organizations:

• USCIS, DHS, and Department of State: These agencies are responsible for collecting the new fees and updating their systems.
• U.S. Congress: Passed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” that created the new fees.
• Immigration Attorneys: Advising clients to prepare for higher costs and to check if they qualify for any waivers.
• Universities and Employers: Concerned about the increased costs for sponsoring international students and workers.
• Foreign Nationals: Anyone seeking a U.S. visa or immigration benefit will pay more, often with no way to avoid the extra charges.

USCIS and DHS have issued public alerts confirming the new law and are preparing to implement the changes. Immigration attorneys recommend that applicants review their eligibility for waivers and budget for the higher costs.

Expert Analysis and Multiple Perspectives

Legal experts warn that the new fees will create serious financial barriers for many applicants, especially those seeking asylum, TPS, or facing removal proceedings. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these changes could make it much harder for low-income individuals and families to seek protection or legal status in the United States 🇺🇸.

Universities and employers are also worried. Many of the new and increased fees for J-1, H-1B, and other work or study visas are usually paid by the host institution or company. This could make it more expensive to bring international talent to the United States 🇺🇸, possibly affecting research, teaching, and business operations.

Advocacy groups are expected to challenge the impact of these fees on vulnerable populations. However, the law currently allows only limited waivers, so most applicants will have to pay the full amount.

Procedural Steps for Applicants (as of July 2025)

If you are planning to apply for a U.S. visa or immigration benefit, here’s what you should do:

1. Check the Latest Fee Schedule: Always verify the current fee for your application on the USCIS G-1055 Fee Schedule or the Department of State’s visa fee page.
2. Calculate Total Fees: Add both the new statutory fee and any existing agency filing fee for your application type.
3. Prepare Payment: Follow USCIS or State Department instructions for payment methods. Inside the United States 🇺🇸, you can pay by card, check, or money order. Outside the country, follow the local embassy or consulate’s instructions.
4. Monitor for Updates: Watch for further announcements from USCIS and the State Department about how the new fees will be collected and any possible delays.
5. Consult Legal Counsel: Because the rules are complex and the costs are high, it’s a good idea to talk to an immigration attorney, especially if you think you might qualify for a waiver or if you are in removal proceedings.

Future Outlook and Pending Developments

Many of the new immigration fees are set to increase each year based on inflation or further regulation. Advocacy groups may challenge the new fees in court, especially those that affect asylum seekers and low-income applicants. USCIS and the Department of State will issue more detailed instructions and update official forms and systems soon.

Applicants should stay alert for further operational updates from USCIS and the Department of State. These updates will explain exactly how to pay the new fees and what to expect during the application process.

Practical Guidance for Affected Communities

For many families, students, and workers, the higher immigration fees mean planning ahead is more important than ever. Here are some practical steps to help you manage the new costs:

• Budget Carefully: Before starting any application, add up all the fees you will need to pay. Remember, some fees are charged every year while your application is pending.
• Check for Waivers: Only a few categories are eligible for fee waivers. If you are applying for certain court filings, appeals, or as a special immigrant juvenile, check if you qualify.
• Seek Help: If you are unsure about the new fees or how to pay them, contact the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 or speak with a qualified immigration attorney.
• Stay Informed: The rules and fees may change again soon. Always check the latest information on the USCIS Filing Fees page and the Department of State’s visa fee page.

Official Resources

• USCIS G-1055 Fee Schedule
• USCIS Filing Fees Page
• Department of State Visa Fees
• USCIS Contact Center: 1-800-375-5283

Conclusion and Next Steps

The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” has changed the landscape for anyone seeking a U.S. visa or immigration benefit. With the introduction of the Visa Integrity Fee and other new charges, applicants must now pay much higher immigration fees, often with no option for a waiver. These changes affect students, workers, families, and vulnerable groups like asylum seekers and TPS applicants.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, the best way to handle these changes is to stay informed, budget for the higher costs, and seek legal advice if needed. Always check the latest official fee schedules and announcements from USCIS and the Department of State before applying. By preparing ahead and understanding the new requirements, applicants can avoid surprises and make the process as smooth as possible.

For more information, visit the USCIS Filing Fees page for the most up-to-date details on immigration fees and payment instructions.

Learn Today

One Big Beautiful Bill Act → A 2025 U.S. law increasing immigration fees and introducing new statutory charges for visa applicants.
Visa Integrity Fee → A mandatory $250 fee applied when issuing most nonimmigrant U.S. visas to enhance security.
Form I-94 → Arrival/departure record issued to travelers entering or leaving the United States, now with a $24 fee.
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) → A humanitarian immigration status allowing stay and work for nationals of designated countries.
Employment Authorization Document (EAD) → Official USCIS card permitting an immigrant to work legally in the U.S., linked to fees.

This Article in a Nutshell

As of July 2025, U.S. immigration fees rose sharply under the One Big Beautiful Bill. Applicants face mandatory new charges, including a $250 Visa Integrity Fee and annual asylum fees. These changes affect most visa types and require careful planning to manage increased costs and compliance with updated USCIS rules.
— By VisaVerge.com